Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Today I decided to whip out our Artisan KitchenAid Mixer and give it a whirl to see how she did. She was awesome! I felt just a little bit like Martha Stewart as I dumped the ingredients in and watched the beater go! It was great.

I've provided lots of pictures for you visual learners out there! I'm always thinking of you!

The concoction for the day was a 3-tiered red velvet cake from scratch. I have lovingly included the recipe here:

Blend & pour into 3 greased & floured 9-inch cake pans. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 25-30 mins (Note: We only baked it for about 18 minutes or so!). Cool cake and make icing.

Cream cheese frosting is always the best way to go for a red velvet cake. To prepare it, combine: 1 stick of butter, 1 package of cream cheese (NOT fat-free), and 1 package of sifted confectioner's sugar.

Note: I used 1/3 less fat cream cheese, AND I used margarine. Bad choices. My icing was a tad runny, and that was annoying. But it was still delicious!

Dye coconut red and sprinkle on top. Or dump a ton of it on top like I did! Because I love coconut.

Marvel at the beauty you've created. Taking pictures and blogging about it is totally optional... but definitely recommended.

Clear out all the JUNK you have crammed in your refrigerator place your cake in the refrigerator to let it become firm and cool.

Sit impatiently for a little while. Jump out of your seat, walk into the kitchen, and carve out a perfect slice.

Place a large piece on a fancy dish paper plate, wish your husband was here to taste it, and dig in.

This recipe is calorie-free. It contains no fat, no calories, and is just CHUCK FULL of flavor!*

thanks, guys! so far the red velvet cake is NOT on the menu for the party. sorry!!! it tastes best in my KitchenAid mixer, which blends the batter perfectly. and I really don't have the time or money to put it together. The red food coloring alone is $4, and it calls for buttermilk. BUT if either of YOU TWO want to make it, feel fee ;] haha.

I haven't actually ordered Mark's special cake. I could ask her to make it red velvet, I guess.. ? I'm ordering it from sugar bakers. however, Mark loves chocolate. so idk if he would be up for making the cake red velvet! I'll have to see!

Shannon

I grew up in Kentucky, met my soul mate at church, married him two years later, and waved goodbye as he left to join the Air Force just two weeks into our marriage. I learned a heckuva lot about life, love, and sacrifice in our first year as husband and wife!

Being a mommy is my greatest joy in life.

Mark

Mark is serving our country in the United States Air Force as an electrician. He loves his career and loves his family even more. He surprises me daily with how awesome of a Daddy he can be. I am absolutely in love with him and SO thankful for him!

Little Toot

Our sweet girl entered our lives on October 20, 2010, and our lives have never been more full or more fun! She's timid, yet spunky and independent; cuddly yet always on the go. She loves learning new words, playing babies and kitchen, and being near her Mama. Her love for babies makes us very excited to see her become Big Sister this fall!

Piper

Piper is our 2-year-old West Highland Terrier! She's full of spunk and brings unimaginable joy to our lives. Piper can be found napping on the couch, snuggled next to me, carrying a "nip" around the house, or rough housing with her favorite raccoon toy! She takes her role as "protector" of our family very seriously and is always guarding our house!